Marin is poised to unveil a pair of new carbon fiber cyclocross bikes – a pro level model spec’d with an Ultegra Di2 electronic drivetrain, and a blue collar workhorse outfitted with a 10-speed SRAM-blend drivetrain. The official launch date for the new Cortina models is set for August 1, 2013, but RoadBikeReview got a sneak peek at the new rigs during April’s Sea Otter Classic. Here’s Marin PR man Mark Vanek breaking down the highlights of the new bike.

In a nutshell, the 2014 Marin Cortina line is expanding to two models, and more importantly making the jump to carbon fiber construction, utilizing Marin’s T3 tube-to-tube lay-up method. The front of the bike’s are updated with an hourglass-shaped tapered steerer tube designed to shave weight and improve handling. The front end also gets a straight-blade fork for better steering control.

Further back, the seat tube is designed using what Marin calls its power taper profile, a feature gleaned from Marin’s road bikes where the tube has an oversized diameter at the bottom bracket junction for increased stiffness, then tapers to a smaller diameter at the seat mast, yielding more compliance. This tapering will accommodate a 27.2mm seatpost.

The new frames also have interchangeable cable routing systems to allow internal routing for electronic or mechanical drivetrains.

The pro level model comes stock with Ultegra Di2 (with internal seatpost battery mount) and tubeless-ready Easton wheels. The more stripped-down model will have a yet-to-be-named SRAM 10-speed blend that feature a Type2 X0 mountain bike rear derailleur. Marin does this to provide cyclocross riders the benefits of a clutch derailleur, which increases chain tension and reduces the chances of dropping your chain on bumpy terrain. The second-tier level Cortina bike will also have a tubeless-ready wheelset.

Both models will be available in a sizes from 49cm to 60cm. Pricing is not yet available.

Photo Thumbnails (click to enlarge)

An avid cyclist, Jason Sumner has been writing about two-wheeled pursuits of all kinds since 1999. He’s covered the Tour de France, the Olympic Games, and dozens of other international cycling events. He also likes to throw himself into the fray, penning first-person accounts of cycling adventures all over the globe. Sumner, who joined the RoadBikeReview.com / Mtbr.com staff in 2013, has also done extensive gear testing and is the author of the cycling guide book "75 Classic Rides: Colorado." When not writing or riding, the native Coloradoan can be found enjoying time with his wife Lisa and daughter Cora.

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